You're probably staring at a cryptic, hand-drawn sketch of a rock that looks like every other rock in the Systres Archipelago. We've all been there. The Elder Scrolls Online: High Isle introduced some of the most beautiful environments in the game, but it also brought some of the most frustratingly vague treasure maps. If you've got a High Isle treasure map burning a hole in your inventory, you're likely hunting for those elusive Ancestral Breton motif leads or maybe just some decent overland gear sets like Blessing of High Isle.
Getting these right isn't just about matching a drawing to a hillside. It's about understanding the geography of an island that is surprisingly vertical.
High Isle is a mix of lush Mediterranean-style cliffs, dense sunflower fields, and jagged coastlines. Honestly, the maps can be a nightmare because the scale in the drawings is often way off compared to the actual in-game distance. You think you're looking for a massive cliffside, but it's actually a tiny mound near a bridge. Let's get into where these things actually are and why you might be looking in the wrong spots.
The Reality of High Isle Treasure Map I
This first one is a bit of a trick. The sketch shows a bridge and some towering spires. Most people immediately head to the main bridges near Gonfalon Bay, but that’s a mistake. You actually need to head northwest.
Look for the bridge that spans the water near the Ameswill area. If you're coming from the north, you'll see the stone archways. The dirt mound isn't under the bridge itself—that would be too easy. Instead, it's tucked away on the northern bank, nestled against some rocks near the water's edge.
I've seen players run back and forth across that bridge for twenty minutes. They miss it because they’re looking for a "dig site" feel, but in ESO, these mounds are subtle. They only render in when you're practically on top of them. If your graphics settings are low, they can be even harder to spot against the grass textures.
Cracking the High Isle Treasure Map II Mystery
Map number two is located near the Castle Navire region. Specifically, you’re looking for a spot south of the Castle Navire Wayshrine. The map shows a distinct view of the castle walls and a small waterfall.
The waterfall is your key landmark here. Don’t get distracted by the main castle gate. Follow the stream that runs south from the castle area toward the coast. You’ll find the mound sitting on a grassy ledge overlooking the ocean, just to the side of where the fresh water meets the salt water.
It's a gorgeous view. Seriously. Take a second to look at the sunset if you're there at the right time. But for the loot? The mound is right by the base of a large tree near that cliff edge.
High Isle Treasure Map III: The Shipwreck Trap
This one sends people to the coast, which is a broad area to cover. The drawing features a wrecked ship and some stone pillars. You’ll find this one on the far western coast of the main island, specifically north of the Coral Cliffs delve.
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Look.
The coast is littered with shipwrecks. It’s the Systres; ships sink here every Tuesday. The one you want is situated near a cluster of large coral formations. The mound is behind a piece of broken hull on the sandy beach.
A common frustration here is the hostile NPCs. The sea adders and mudcrabs in this area are aggressive, so clear them out before you try to dig. There’s nothing more annoying than getting interrupted by a crab when you’re inches away from your loot.
The Verticality of High Isle Treasure Map IV
This map is probably the one that causes the most rage-quits. It shows a towering rock formation and a winding path. You need to head to the Garick's Rest area in the northeastern part of the island.
The mound is located on a high ridge. To get there, you have to find the path that leads up the cliffs behind the estate. If you’re at the bottom looking up, you’re in the wrong place. You have to circle around the northern side of the hill to find the ramp up. The treasure is tucked behind a bush near a stone ruin at the very top.
Why do people miss it? Because they stay on the main road. High Isle rewards the explorers who aren't afraid to jump over some rocks.
Finding High Isle Treasure Map V
This one is located near the Jungle of All Flags on the smaller island of Amenos. Wait. Let me clarify. It’s actually on the southern coast of the main island, specifically near the Shipwreck Shoals world boss.
The map shows a view of the lighthouse in the distance. You want to stand on the beach and look toward the lighthouse to align yourself. The mound is buried in the sand near a cluster of volcanic rocks.
Be careful here. If the world boss is up, you might get pulled into a fight you weren't expecting. The boss, Serpent Onca, has a massive leash range. Stay low and stay toward the water to avoid the aggro.
High Isle Treasure Map VI: The Amenos Nightmare
Now we go to Amenos. The prison island. It’s dense, it’s green, and everything looks the same. Map VI shows a river and a cave entrance.
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You need to go to the central part of Amenos, near the Skulltooth Coast. Look for the river that flows toward the northern sea. The mound is on a small island in the middle of the river, right near a fallen log.
The density of the foliage on Amenos makes this one particularly tough. Use your map's compass. If you're near the water and see a large fallen tree acting as a bridge, you're close. The mound is just a few feet away from the root system.
The Value of These Maps in 2026
Why are we still talking about these? It's the Ancestral Breton style. To this day, the leads for these motifs only drop from treasure chests found via these maps in High Isle.
If you're a completionist or a master crafter, you need these. The market for these motifs stays remarkably stable because the drop rate is low. You could spend hours farming maps just to get one lead for the "Ancestral Breton Leg Armor."
Beyond the motifs, these chests also contain High Isle set pieces.
- Order's Wrath: Actually a crafted set, but people often confuse it.
- Blessing of High Isle: Great for niche healer builds.
- Steadfast's Mettle: Useful for heavy attack builds.
While these aren't always "meta" for end-game trials, they are fantastic for solo play and mid-tier dungeon crawling. Plus, selling the uncurated gear can be a steady source of gold if you’re a newer player.
Misconceptions About Treasure Map Drops
A lot of players think that if they have a map in their inventory, they can't find another one of the same number. That's partially true. You can't hold two of the exact same map in a single character's inventory. However, you can put one in your bank and then pick up another.
Or, if you're like me, you use your mail. If a friend sends you five copies of High Isle Treasure Map I, you can pull them out one by one. Dig the hole, run a short distance away to let the node reset, and then dig it again.
Don't just delete duplicates. The Systres are small enough that you can hit three or four spots in a single loop.
CE Maps vs. Standard Maps
There is a huge difference between "High Isle Treasure Map I" and "High Isle CE Treasure Map I." The CE stands for Collector's Edition.
These maps lead to completely different locations. The CE maps were a pre-order bonus or part of the Deluxe edition. If you’re looking at a guide and the location doesn't match, check the name of your map carefully. CE maps generally have slightly better loot tables for gold and basic materials, but they do NOT drop the Ancestral Breton leads.
If you're hunting for the motif, you must use the standard, non-CE maps. These are the ones you find randomly in chests, backpacks, or buy from guild traders.
Tips for a Faster Hunt
If you’re on PC, you probably already use the Lost Treasure addon. It puts an "X" on your world map. It's a lifesaver. But if you’re on console—Xbox or PlayStation—you’re doing it the old-fashioned way.
On console, use your mount's stamina to scout high ground. The "glint" of a treasure mound is easier to see from above. Also, turn off your "Grass" setting in the video options if you're really struggling. It makes the world look a bit barren, but it makes the dirt mounds pop out like a sore thumb.
Another trick? Check the guild traders in Gonfalon Bay. Sometimes people list these maps for cheap because they don't want to deal with the travel time to Amenos. You can often find them for a few thousand gold. If you get an Ancestral Breton lead, that lead alone is worth the investment in time and gold.
Essential Next Steps for Treasure Hunters
Ready to clear that inventory? Here is exactly what you should do to maximize your efficiency.
First, consolidate your maps. Don't just carry one. Go to your bank and pull out every High Isle map you own. If you have duplicates, put them on a different character or keep them in your mail.
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Second, plan your route. Start at the Gonfalon Bay docks. Hit the mainland maps (I, II, IV, and V) in a clockwise circle. Once you've cleared the main island, take the boat to Amenos to finish off Map III and VI.
Third, check your Scrying level. There is nothing worse than finding a lead for a motif and realizing your Excavation or Scrying level is too low to actually dig it up. You need to be at least level 7 in both to handle the gold-tier leads that come from these maps.
Finally, keep an eye on your Inventory Space. Each chest contains about 5–10 items, including gear, gold, and potentially furniture leads. If your bags are full, you might lose out on the loot.
High Isle remains one of the most rewarding zones for "flavor" hunters and roleplayers. The aesthetic of the Breton nobility is captured perfectly in the rewards found through these maps. Get out there, watch for the sea adders, and keep your eyes on the horizon. The dirt mounds are waiting.
Actionable Insights for the Systres Archipelago
- Check the Map Name: Ensure you aren't mixing up "CE" (Collector's Edition) maps with standard maps, as the rewards (specifically motifs) differ.
- Visual Landmarks: Focus on waterfalls and shipwrecks rather than roads; the drawings prioritize natural features over man-made paths.
- Reset the Node: If you have multiple copies of the same map, run about 50–100 meters away after digging to allow the mound to respawn.
- Sell or Use: If you aren't interested in the Ancestral Breton style, sell the maps on guild traders—the demand remains high due to the rarity of the motif leads.